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Recommended itinerary:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.

Editor note – Richard has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Cape Town destination guide.

Start your trip by taking the Cableway (or hiking) to the summit of the world-famous Table Mountain (you can also abseil straight off again).

After, head to the city centre for lunch on Bree Street: try Clarke’s, a local favourite known for great burgers and craft beer. Then wander the charming city centre; see the Linton Panel at the South African Museum, then take in the National Gallery and the colourful Bo-Kaap.

Book in for dinner at Elgr, amid the bustle of Kloof Street.

Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The iconic flat-topped mountain – sometimes covered with ‘tablecloths’ of clouds – that towers over the beautiful coastal city of Cape Town. Cable car or hike to the top; cable car or abseil down.

Best for ages: 10+ | £18

Hike up Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours

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Abseil down Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £23 | 1 hour

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Exterior of white, colonial building at dusk
Experience

South African Museum

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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Take an early ferry out to Robben Island, where the infamous prison offers a sombre insight into South Africa’s apartheid era.

Ferries return to the V&A Waterfront, the city’s leading shopping and dining destination. Seek out superb local designers at The Watershed, then have lunch at PIER. After, take in Africa’s finest art at the Zeitz MOCAA gallery, or if you have kids in tow, visit the Aquarium.

At sunset, loin the locals for a stroll on the Sea Point promenade, before feasting on South Africa’s famous steaks at the seafront Butcher Shop & Grill.

Leave early to make the most of a full day driving clockwise around the Cape Peninsula.

Stop for coffee in bohemian Kalk Bay before admiring the penguins of Boulders Beach. Grab lunch at The Black Marlin for seafood and a sea view.

Head south towards Cape Point, a striking promontory in a national park. The road returns through the seaside suburb of Noordhoek, home to the Aegir Project brewery, before rising over the memorable mountain pass of Chapmans Peak.

Aim to return to Clifton Beach before sunset, then head to trendy Camps Bay for cocktails as the sun sets and dinner at Chinchilla.

Cape Point

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

At the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point offers a nature lover’s paradise with a lovely scenic drive to get there.

Best for ages: 4+ | £16

Close up of beer vats on the wall in the bar
Experience

Aegir Project Brewery

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The craft beer revolution is in full swing in Cape Town, and the Aegir Project in laid-back Noordhoek has long led the charge. Their easy-going taproom and restaurant offer a range of local brews and fine views.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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For a day discovering South Africa’s world-class wines, choose between historic Stellenbosch or the leafy Constantia Valley.

Stellenbosch (45-minutes from the city) combines the charm of a historic university town with elegant estates. The outstanding Tokara Wine Estate offers an art gallery, superb food and winelands views.

For a day with less driving the Constantia Winelands is ideal. It’s a region famous for Bordeaux-style white wines and is home to the famous ‘Vin de Constance’. Have lunch at the equally outstanding Chefs Warehouse.

Stellenbosch Wine Region

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

One of the world’s greatest wine regions, home to more than 150 wineries producing numerous world-class wines, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture, superb restaurants and top-notch art galleries.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

Constantia Wine Region

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The picturesque Constantia Valley is a compact wine route that’s home to some of the oldest wine farms in the Cape.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Interior restaurant with artworks and views out across the estate
Experience

Tokara Wine Estate

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

On the crest of the Helshoogte mountain pass, this winery has it all: contemporary architecture, an inviting tasting lounge, cutting-edge restaurant, and refined, approachable wines.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia
Experience

Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Constantia’s growing culinary clout is on full display here, with chef Ivor Jones’ small-plate menu offering some of the city’s most inspired, and affordable, fine dining.

Best for ages: 18+ | £50

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Start a day of outdoor adventure by lifting off from the V&A Waterfront in a helicopter for an unforgettable flight aver the city, Table Mountain and the spectacular coastline.

Then head beneath the waves: snorkel with seals in the kelp forests off Hout Bay, or take courage in both hands for a shark-diving adventure in False Bay.

Break for lunch at the seaside Harbour House restaurant in Kalk Bay. Ease into the afternoon at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic supper.

Dive with great white sharks in Cape Town

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Get up close to man’s most feared predator, the infamous great white shark, diving in steel cages just off the back of the boat. Cape Town is one of only a handful of places in the world you can do it – and the most accessible.

Best for ages: 13+ | £100 | 5

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Rise early for the one-hour drive from the city to Franschhoek, Cape Town’s foodie capital.

Once there, hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram to tour the valley, stopping off at vineyards for wine tastings. Book in for lunch at Rickety Bridge Estate.

Continue your wine-tasting adventure or, for something different, stop by the Franschhoek Motor Museum. If time allows, tour the gardens of Babylonstoren, a farm-to-table delight, or delve into the valley’s history at the Huguenot Monument in town.

A day in Franschhoek

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

The ‘French Corner’ of the Cape Winelands is a bucket list destination for bacchanalian adventures.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Rickety Bridge Winery a tourist tram ride between vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley Western Cape Southern Africa
Experience

Franschhoek Wine Tram

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

This scenic hop-on hop-off tram operates on eight routes connecting 24 wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley. It’s a charismatically convenient way to get around, and you can stop at your own pace for wine tastings, vineyard walks and cellar tours. The routes begin/end at the Franschhoek Terminal and the Groot Drakenstein Terminal. Kids allowed.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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A yellow Jaguar D-Type vintage racing car on display at the Franschhoek motor museum.
Experience

Franschhoek Motor Museum

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Showcasing over 200 classic cars from the Rupert family’s private collection, petrolheads can delve into a century of motoring history, from South Africa’s first Model T Ford to the rare Ferrari Enzo. It’s open daily, but you must book an appointment via the website before you go. You can also book a ride in a classic car.

Best for ages: 4+ | £5

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Babylonstoren’s Gardens
Experience

Babylonstoren’s Gardens

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa

Gardeners and food-to-table devotees would love the 8 acres of bountiful gardens at Babylonstoren, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. They offer daily walking tours guided by the estate horticulturists. There’s also an excellent on-site restaurant, and an elegant farm shop that sells local foods and homewares.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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